In September, Ingram pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty . The Prosecutor offered her a plea deal, which she declined, that would have resulted in a 90-day suspended sentence, two years of probation and a $150 fine.

The deadline to enter a guilty plea was Thursday.

Fondren learned Thursday the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office plans to try for more serious charges.

“They feel like they have enough evidence to get a felony charge,” Fondren said. “I'm over-the-moon excited.”

Both families have moved from Sipsey Valley Townhomes in Buhl, where they lived side-by-side.